yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] paladin82:
I just got off the phone with ASUS and after they had me do a factory reset, I still have the Unknown Serial number issue. They tell me that the only fix is to send into service to be fixed. I told them I want them to send me a replacement unit and they refused, they said contact the seller and see if they will replace the unit. Next I called BestBuy who I purchased it from and explained everything to them. BestBuy has a 14 day return policy on tablets, I am just 7 days outside of that policy so they will not help me.

So bottom line is a device that I have had for less than a month will have to be sent in to service for God knows how long, to fix something that could probably be corrected by a firmware patch. So if you have the same problem and purchased from BestBuy return it right away before you are outside of the 14day period.

BTW BestBuy also stated that if I was a silver rewards zone member I would have 45 days to return it.

I am very unhappy with Asus and BestBuy for their lack of customer service!!

-Pete
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 3rdamention:
That is my exact same problem. They tell you to give them 48 Hours to respond. Then, they say they will escalate your request as "urgent" if they do not respond. This is if you have registered your Prime and use their website to contact them from your "My Asus" section.

I gave them the 48 Hours, and mine is going back tonight as promised. I am still going to see how long it takes them to respond to my message, if it ever does. Especially since it is not supposed to be forwarded as "urgent" since nobody has responded. We will see how urgent they really are.

I have never purchased a tablet (well I got my wife a Kindle Fire, but does that count, lol) I am more into Gaming Systems, Computers, and Phones. However, this has been the worst product launch I have ever been associated with. Heck, I even purchased all 3 PlayStations and the PSP on Launch day, so I know crappy hardware and service. But this is getting ridiculous.

I love my prime, but with the Serial Number Unknown issue going on now for a month, with no fix or anything, I am done with mine.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] KDLMaj:
Dwayne Wright is a manager in the tech division, which means he is above supervisor level. Andre Small is the direct supervisor of the supervisors. (North America/US division of Eee Pad customer service). I left a message with Dwight last night.

Call and ask for these guys- let's at least get then to realize there is a problem and to deal with the terrible customer service.

Also, if you call ASUS North America tech, the order of the menu options to talk to someone is 2-2-5.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] curreyr:
PM me if someone wants to sell a 64gb champagne without serial number.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Rogue100:
Well, just got off the phone with Asus. The guy I talked to said that they were aware of the issue, and that a downloadable fix was on the way, that would actually correct the underlying issue making the serial display correctly, which presumably would make all the corresponding issues (no ICS, no root, etc.) dissappear. He couldn't give a time frame for the fix though, so take that information with a grain of salt.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] 3rdamention:
Thanks for that update. I hope your Rep is right. However, Asus has blown so much smoke out through their Customer Service Dept I wouldn't be shocked if this was another situation to keep you from RMA'ing your tablet.

I still bet that the awesome minds on XDA will find a fix, or at least a workaround, for the "Serial Unknown" problem before Asus does. The Asus Software Crew is going to be really busy. They need to fix the Bootloader Unlocker majiggy and find this new update to fix the Serial Unknown.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] markbraggs:
New Issue

Don't know if this is related to the unknown SN, but that has been the only problem I've had with the TFP so far so here goes:

During lecture today, my Prime randomly made a *very* loud noise (loud enough for a lecture hall of 300 students to all hear it) for about 15 seconds. Seemed to be coming from the speaker and was a static-type noise like when you turn your TV on to a non-channel.

It went away after ~15-20 seconds, but man was it loud and caught me off guard! Could this be a new issue to worry about? Maybe due to bad firmware or something? I've been on stock since I got my TFP 2.5 weeks ago.

Seriously weird issue. :eek:

Edit: If need be, I'll make a new thread asking about this and leave this topic on it's current course; I just didn't want to pollute the main page.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tomrobbo26:
I'm in the UK.

Just got my Prime today from ebuyer and sure enough I am also hit with the no serial number issue. I'll leave it a few days but may feel a return coming on soon.

Can't be doing without an update to ICS.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] just lou:
I'm on 3 days now, and no response.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] norman1080:
how BIG is this serial unknown issue?

I have read a lot of these posts. I have read about a lot of returns. I am debating to return my TFP. The only issue I have with my TFP is the unknown serial. How BIG a deal is this issue? :confused:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tomrobbo26:
Depending on Asus' response to it, this could become a big issue if they never do anything about it, as it means we may never get any updates for the system. For example we're already behind as we're not on Ice Cream Sandwich which we should be!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dgjl:
In the same boat--I'm going to give asus just short of a fortnight to offer something or it's going back to ebuyer. It's just such a beautiful machine otherwise...
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tomrobbo26:
Agreed. Did you get yours today as well?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dgjl:
yup, from ebuyer.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] GernBlanston:
Gary Key from Asus is on it; check out the "feel our wrath" thread.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] SonicTab:
Here's the link to Gary's reply on the issue:

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=21374571&postcount=63

Glad they are looking into it, see what happens.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] SonicTab:
One thing to add...

not only did my Prime come with an unknown serial,

I could not even turn it on without plugging it in,

battery was extremely low in the red out of the box.

Seemed unusual, are all the primes batteries shipped like that?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] dgjl:
that's pretty typical.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] SonicTab:
Gary Key of Asus posted a suggested fix for the unknown serial issue that he mentioned has helped others.

I started a thread with the fix suggested and for people to post results

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1447239
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Munkee Boy:
Tried several times, did absolutely nothing.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] RichMD:
Same here... reset 4 times with no difference.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] PabloPalmeri:
Engadget finally got in on the mix!

engadget.com/2012/01/16/transformer-prime-unknown-serial
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Guybor:
I have. The tech was clueless saying that the serial number isn't suppose to be there. Solution was to factory reset...which I did and didn't fix it. I'll be calling them back today. I'll post any update from them.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] curreyr:
I must have confused this thread with one where people with .27 were unable to update ...

So, was thinking the .29 update manually applied then might enable the .33 to come down OTA.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
I was on .27 when I receieved my prime on the 28th. I ran the updater many times and it told me that tehre was no update available. So I found out that I can update it by going to Asus support. So I downloaded the .29 update from the website and installed it. Now since the .33 has been out for about 2 days now and mine still doesn't see an update. It seems to me like the people w/o serial numbers are getting f@cked!
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] integratyper:
yes I callled too but they were useless. They said it may be because the update is unstable that we cant get ota updates which is bull because other people are still getting the option to update ota.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] JoeyLe:
How is it even possible that you're devices don't show serials? Is it just bad luck?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
That's what I believe. I am awaiting Gamestop to have some in stock so I can return this one and exchange it for a new one. Hopefully the next one will be better. I hate that I have to wait to try and return it because I can't really customize it like I want to .
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] sontin:
Kind of. I think they forgot it for a few batches in the rush to bring the tablet to the market.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] crpeck:
Bought mine through CDWG (don't ask - it's a work thing). Mine doesn't have a serial and I'm unable to do OTA updates - I'm at 8.8.3.27

I just looked in Asus Support and only see 8.8.3.29 now - maybe they pulled the 8.8.3.33?

I may go the sdcard update route, but, I'm not experiencing any issues so far, but, I just got it yesterday (we were closed from 12/23 until yesterday).

As long as I can apply or update to ICS I really don't care how this get's dealt with. I imagine that if enough of us ping them, they'll either fix it, or, put the update on the web to download.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tdrussell:
Did you end up getting from the Tyson's gamestop? can't remember.

Mine from there has a serial...FWIW, not much.:confused:
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Guybor:
Update....

Spoke with another rep.

1 - wanted me to try a factory reset AGAIN....NOT

2 - wanted me to do a data wipe (power on while holding volumn down) Done it previously, didn't work

3 - wants me to send it in to get fixed. Maybe/maybe not.

He had no idea on how to fix it and kept trying to tell me that it was suppose to work that way or that it wasn't updating b/c they pulled the .33 update b/c of issues. I had to explain that I can't even go from .27 to .29, so the .33 is not an issue.

I'm thinking there is a file that is missing on our system with s/n info in it. I'm not that much of a geek that I can find it though, so I'll defer to those more intelligent then myself.

I'm now thinking about returning it to BB and getting a new one b/c this is NOT working like it should.....just hate to do that until I can get my hands on another one.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] curreyr:
Sure seems to me that the people having this issue all got primes with the .27 ...

If that's the case, then it probably was a bad factory flash, and best bet is to RMA.

You have my condolences on your misfortune.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
I received mine from Penatgon City Mall location.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] louvass:
Same thing here

Got it from GS .. 27 wouldn't up to 29 did the manual upgrade and it won't tell me that 33 is out there. Do I have a serial number showing, I don't know where it is. GS just called saying my replacement is in, I'll keep you posted
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
I have been bugging my GS's trying to find or get a replacement. All mine are saying the 12th is the next wave of tablets to come in, but they were all pre-orders as well and if there is any extra's, it's a first come first serve basis. So who knows if I will get one anytime soon.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Scumbag Inc.:
Mine came with .27 I tried the Ota but it didn't take. updated to manually to .29 worked fine. It just winter update to .33 which is for the best I guess. Adb sees it fine.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] unknown_owner:
Can't do that. The update is deleted from the /cache folder after the update has been applied. I looked there last night after getting root. someone did post a zip saying it was the update but I was suspect because all the files in that update were dated 3/22/11 (or something like that)

You can still apply the update for .29 if you haven't gotten an OTA since buying the tablet. Are you at the stock build that your prime came with or did you at least get the first OTA to get to .29?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] djsaad1:
I did a manual update to .29 looks like that will be our only choice, the ota won't come in if we have no serial number.

Just going to have to wait until .33 is posted. After ICS I doubt there will be many asus updates, and by then we should have a custom recovery with custom roms.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] unknown_owner:
And surprisingly enough, Asus' ftp site has not been up for about 1.5 weeks now.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] djsaad1:
has anyone without a serial number been able to root? I can't seem to root my device, if this is because of the serial number than I am for sure taking it back.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
I've rooted mine, but I haven't had a chance to test it out. Did you enable usb debugging?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] djsaad1:
Yeah sorry about that, adb was just stuck. Had to end the process in task manager.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] louvass:
GS Return Update

So I return my prime that won't do the OTA update to 33. The new serial number has the same first 6 and the number following is lower than what I had. But I was prompted for an OTA update. Where on the prime is the serial number so I can see if it's in there. After an Hr charge I will try and redo the update

Update:

I received the 33 update and all seems well. Still no GPS (oh yea it don't have GPS) ;) Wireless seems the same but its fine. If you bought it and can't get that OTA, bring it back get another and hopefully you get a good one. Seems hit or miss to me.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Scumbag Inc.:
How did ya'll get yours to root? I'm having trouble.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] djsaad1:
wasn't able to get mine to root either, have to take it back now.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Scumbag Inc.:
I would hate to send it back. My unit is perfect except for this damn serial number. I guess it was to good to be true.

Just got off the phone with Asus. I'm going to RMA it. -sigh-

I did have them leave a note on the RMA requesting ICS when they do a reflash. :(
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] anilkuj:
same thing here serial number unkown no updates still on 27 . got it today from officedepot
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] jcase:
I'm willing to be none of the no serial number guys can gain root with nachoroot, seems the system doesn't fully start.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] anilkuj:
Thats correct jcase when i try to root the system reboots and when it is about to be rooted i get device not found

I used the viperboy tool

Is there anything that can be done abt this ?

Thanks
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] djsaad1:
i am wondering if the ics update would fix this, wouldn't the ics update format system?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] anilkuj:
I have owned galaxy tab 10.1 before , we used odin tool on that even on a locked bootloader to flash stox rom cwm etc

Is there similar tool for asus?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] flyingwolf:
We can add me to that list, got it from best buy on the 23rd, delivered on the 27th, came with .27 firmware, updated tonight to .29 manually.

Unable to get updates and cannot play glow ball or other items as the tablet is overall sluggish.

Definitely a cluster fudge on this one.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Scumbag Inc.:
Ya. I can't even push nachoroot.bin with adb.

I just happened to think, how is Asus going to fix this? I mean, what are they going to do that we can't?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] kristovaher:
In order to get ICS you would have to get updates in the first place, which is kind-of a problem.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] integratyper:
can it be a file we are missing? So no one without a serial can root?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] tshoulihane:
Outside chance - maybe nvflash will work on these if the SBK isn't burnt in? When you start nvflash (assuming you have the right version) you get some data back from the SOC about the fuses that are blown. It would be interesting to check if these are the same as for all the other units.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] biggem001:
TO ALL OF YOU WHOM HAVE THE SERIAL BUG

Return your device and get a new one while you have your 2-4 week period.

Bought it online? Trust me, yell enough and they'll send you another and you send the broken one back.

just return it! it could cause problems with ICS updates..
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
I've rooted mine using viperboys tool. I've installed su app but I haven't been able to test it out with an app yet. To tired last night. I had a problem at first rooting it until I enabled us debugging on it.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Guybor:
That's what I'm doing. They are back in stock at Best Buy so I just ordered another one. Expediated shipping so should see it tomorrow/Monday. If it works great, the no serial number one is going back still inside my 14 day limit.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] djsaad1:
Just did the same
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Scumbag Inc.:
I was able to update to .29 just fine using the sdcard method. This is assuming Asus puts it on their website.

But I will be RMAing it to Asus nevertheless.

Update: Just got of the phone with Abt. The guy I spoke to immediately knew what I was talking about (talked more about the .33 bricking issue) and said Asus is just sending out new units. Abt made a note on my account to extend my return policy (love those guys) and said to try Asus first. Asus said the turn around should be about 7 days.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Munkee Boy:
Mine is also missing the serial number and cannot update, mine is a champagne gold one bought at Electronics Express. Is anyone going to stick this out and do updates manually? I hate to send mine back to Asus because everything except OTA updates is working great.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] djsaad1:
There is more to it than just OTA updates, Jcase looked at mine and saw that there were processes that were not loading at boot, that is why we cant get root. He is thinking that there is something wrong with the kernel.

Now I would wait for ICS before you send it back though, because it is possible the ics update will format everything first.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Munkee Boy:
I would think that it would just be an upgrade, like the rest of these OTA updates, rather than formatting the whole thing. People would be pretty pissed if all their data got erased after performing an update. I have a feeling the ICS update isn't going to fix things for us. But who knows, i could be pleasantly surprised.

As an interesting side note, pretty much everyone i've seen with this problem originally had firmware v8.8.3.27 on their tablets. Mine started with v8.8.3.23. This would indicate that it was more than one batch that they have had this problem with.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
Well I fianlly got approval from my GS District Manager to return my TP for a full refund. I've already bought one from BB and should be here next Tues-Wed. My dock should be here on Monday. Its funny, BB had $8 shipping for Tues-Wed and $22 for shipping on Mon-Tues. That's a big difference lol. Hopefully this one will be better than the last one.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Lock-N-Load:
My 32gb Champagne from Amazon has a serial number
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Scumbag Inc.:
I was thinking bad kernel too but then I remembered I documented my kernel on a post before and after updating to .29:

As you can see it was different but issue is persists.

Oh, BTW, last night I tried to boot into recovery and it locked up. Don't know if this is normal but it happened to mine.

If it is a kernel issue ICS will most definitely load a new one.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Lock-N-Load:
Wait, what? Are you rooted? Since when has there been recovery available?? huh?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] doeboy711:
Since there is no recovery, that's why it probably got stuck.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Scumbag Inc.:
Ya, just checking. This is what I thought but also was wondering if "normal" Primes went into something to look at that wouldn't allow you to do anything.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] r4736:
Ordered from Best Buy revived it yesterday. Unknown serial number, no OTA, and can't root. Rooting fails at the second stage. Should I deal with Best Buy or Asus?
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] slayaman22232:
Just got mine today from best buy and i also have no serial number or ota. im on .27 firmware. im really bumbed about this. :-(
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Sokonomi:
Where can one spot a first glance telltale sign of a missing serialnumber (android noob, sorry)?

Im picking mine up tomorrow and I dont want to deal with a "ghost" prime. ;)
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Guybor:
In the settings, bottom choice is "about tablet" then Status.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] monkeynoze:
Ordered from Best Buy a few days before Christmas, running .27 with the serial number unknown.

I called Asus (1-888-678-3688) and the person I spoke with was relatively clueless about what was going on; he first tried to explain that there were no further updates (from .27) because ICS was coming out soon (?!) and when I told him that .29 existed, he gave a bit of a dumbfounded response.

After a few awkward seconds, he told me to try a manual update from the website, and that it's normal that the serial number isn't displayed there. I asked him to double check this information with someone else, he put me on hold, and he stuck to it.

Not sure what to make of this. I guess I'll try downloading the firmware from their website.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] unknown_owner:
So do you guys get anything when you do adb devices?

Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] Scumbag Inc.:
Yes. It detects my device. Cannot execute "adb remount" or "push"
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] capitala23:
I'd try BBY

I ordered mine from Best Buy on Dec. 25th, got it on Jan. 2nd. I just called Best Buy's 800 number and told them I had a defective tablet I just got and wanted to get it replaced. Told them I didn't want it Repaired, but Replaced with a new one. Talked to a rep who is resending me a new one with next day shipping (no cost to me) and I have to return my original within 15 days, which they are emailing me a return shipping label.

As long as I don't get another NO SN tablet I am happy with this. I had no hassle and I don't have to give up my tablet for any time to get a replacement. Worst part is waiting the weekend and worrying I get another bad tablet.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] capitala23:
I tried doing the manual firmware update last night and mine wouldn't even update. Sounds like from other post its a waste of time anyways. Call Best Buy and have them send you a new one.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] mrokeefe:
I'm no where near able to do this BUT is it possible for a talented dev to dig thru the .33 zip and find out where a serial number would be and then we'd be able to manually add ours? I mean, wtf is Asus able to do that we can't.....

Mine is all perfect and set up juuuuuust the way I like it and redoing it sounds like a chore....

Modded by MBOK
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] djsaad1:
Asus can get into recovery, format the device, and flash a new kernel and rom.

We could do this too if we had a working recovery, but so far the no serial number devices can't get root and there is no working recovery yet.
[Asus  Eee Pad Transformer Prime] njones15:
I also have a model without serial number in status. I got it from a Best Buy preorder. I was able to manually update my firmware, but haven't been able to root. Has anybody heard from Asus on this one?